Upcoming hub to help disabled in job push

Singapore -SG ENABLE will make a push for more job opportunities for the disabled even as the agency prepares to make its new building at Redhill fully operational.

The agency dedicated to enabling people with disabilities aims to position the building as a hub where the disabled can conveniently get support services.

Said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing: "We want to provide a focal point where employers, voluntary welfare organisations and people with disabilities can come together and talk about the issues, challenges and the kind of training needed."

By early 2015, the building will house an information and referral centre, a career centre offering job placement and support services, and facilities for courses and on-the-job training.

More details about the facilities and programmes are expected to be revealed early next year.

SG Enable chief executive Ku Geok Boon elaborated on the agency's role in improving employability for the disabled.

Formed in July, the agency aims to identify employers' manpower needs and match them with the skills of the disabled. It will work with partners in the areas of pre-employment training and job placement.

It will also work towards developing a more comprehensive training curriculum for the disabled, Ms Ku said.

Mr Chan and Ms Ku were speaking yesterday on the sidelines of an appointment ceremony of nine members for the new steering committee of the Enabling Employers Network.

The network comprises employers who advocate more job opportunities for the disabled.

Currently, about one in five of the 10,000 disabled people aged between 18 and 34 who are employable, is undergoing training or has a job.

goyshiyi@sph.com.sg

Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.